For the love of sports, fish & chips, historical libraries, humour, and great music — the UK and its sweeping countryside boroughs attract many. It is one of the world’s leading economies and a bastion of social, cultural, and scientific progress. Despite its strict immigration laws, the UK is one of the most sought-after destinations to work. The convenient public transport, the free healthcare by the National Health Service (NHS) and access to some of the world’s best universities make it a wonderful place to build a life. It's a melting pot of different cultures without any language barriers; no wonder people across the globe find it accessible and desire to build a home there. Whether you're in tech, finance, hospitality, healthcare, or creative fields — there are boundless opportunities in the UK for those who wish to migrate.
Types of Visas to migrate and work in the UK
The UK offers a comprehensive suite of visas for individuals looking to migrate to work. Due to its past membership of the European Union, the UK offers different kinds of visas to those from the EU and those from non-EU countries. For those from non-EU countries like India, the following are the visa solutions available:
- Skilled Worker Visa: The UK Skilled Worker visa program is for applicants who hold a job offer from an approved UK based employer to migrate through to the UK. Applicants will need to meet the minimum points threshold, have good English skills and earn a certain minimum salary for their profession in order to qualify.
- Startup Visa: The Startup visa is for applicants who want to start a unique business in the UK. To qualify for this visa, you must be endorsed by an approved UK business organisation or a UK educational institution. The visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 2 years.
- Innovator Visa: The UK Innovator Visa is for enterprising individuals who have a unique business idea and want to establish a business in the UK. The major caveat here is that your idea must be unlike anything else in the market and you must be able to provide evidence of uniqueness/innovation. The visa allows you to stay for upto 3 years in the UK with your family and can be extended after 3 years.
The benefits of migrating to the UK are many including:
- Settle and work anywhere in the UK
- Settle with your dependent family
- Access to free education
- Access to free or subsidised healthcare
- Your spouse can also work on certain migration visas
Wondering if moving to the UK is the right move for you? Here’s a quick look at the salaries for jobs in-demand
| OCCUPATION | Avg. UNITED KINGDOM SALARY |
| IT engineers/software professionals | GBP 40,000+ |
| Engineers | GBP 35,000+ |
| Doctors | GBP 50,000+ |
| Nurses | GBP 30,000+ |
| Sales & marketing | GBP 30,000+ |
| Accounting | GBP 30,000+ |
| Teachers | GBP 30,000+ |
| Restaurant managers | GBP 25,000+ |
Points-based Evaluation System for Skilled Workers migrating to the UK
The UK has recently switched to a points-based immigration system. The Skilled Worker Program is the recommended route for professionals keen on migrating to the UK. You will be awarded points on parameters such as:
- Qualifications
- Expected salary
- Whether you have sponsorship or not
- English communication skills
- Self-sufficient funds to support your UK expenses
For this particular visa, you must get a minimum of 70 points in order to qualify.
Application Process
Since the Skilled Worker Visa program is only for those who already have a job offer in hand that’s a great place to start. Here’s the step by step process to applying for a Skilled Worker Visa to the UK:
Step 1: Apply for a job
The UK publishes a list of jobs in the UK Shortage Occupation List (SOL). Your occupation must be mentioned in this list in order for you to apply. Once you have a job offer in hand, the employer will help file the documentation. Don’t have a job offer? Overseas career companies can help you get your resume into the right hands.
Step 2: English language proficiency proof
IELTS is not mandatory for the UK. However, you must be able to demonstrate your English language proficiency through other documentation.
Step 3: Prepare application package
You can apply for a visa only 90 days before the day you start work in the UK. The application package must be submitted online and must contain all relevant documents such as:
- Letter of sponsorship from your employer
- Proof of funds to cover your living expenses
- A valid passport
- A visa invitation
- Biometric data
- Travel history
- Other supporting documents
Since the number of applicants for UK work visas is relatively high, it pays to have your application package free of errors. Professional immigration firms such as Y-Axis can help you create a comprehensive application package that has the highest chance of success.
Indian diaspora in the UK
Indians are among the largest and most visible diaspora communities in the UK. Decades of migration has made them a critical component of British society. From medicine to engineering to the arts and politics, British-Indians have achieved great success in every field they are a part of.
There are several Indian origin companies that are also form the core of British industries. Some of the prominent brands include Ashok Leyland, Tata Steel, Tata Motors, Torrent Pharma, HCL, Tech Mahindra Brilliant Basics (an Infosys company), Sun Pharma, Virtusa Consulting, Kotak Mahindra UK, ITC Infotech and more.
Indian population in the UK
| Region | Total Population | Indian population |
| London | 81,73,941 | 5,42,857 |
| West Midlands | 27,36,460 | 1,85,271 |
| South East | 86,34,750 | 1,52,132 |
| East Midlands | 44,51,200 | 86,736 |
| East | 58,46,965 | 1,15,600 |
| North West | 70,52,177 | 1,07,353 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 52,83,733 | 69,252 |
| South West | 52,88,935 | 34,188 |
| North East | 25,96,886 | 15,817 |
| Scotland | 52,95,403 | 32,706 |
| Wales | 30,63,456 | 17,256 |
| Northern Ireland | 18,10,863 | 6,198 |
Earlier this year, the UK and Indian governments signed the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement to encourage skilled professionals to work in either India or the UK. The intention is to fill any employment gaps in both countries. What this agreement intends to do is accelerate work visas for young and brilliant professionals. Eligible for two years of working —learning and gaining exposure to each other's culture surely gets simpler now.
While India is the first country to access this form of work visa, the UK government has always been amicable towards Indian professionals, especially those with degrees in medicine, economics, and engineering. But, one cannot directly apply for a work permit in the UK; your employer should apply for a sponsorship or work permit on your behalf. The immigration system follows the Points Based System (PBS), and based on your skill, nature of work, and education — you can apply for a work visa.
Y-Axis Immigration is a trusted immigration firm, globally and can help you through the UK migration process. Y-Axis will help you check your eligibility, visa options, and help you with the visa application process every step of the way. Two reasons why it's easier to entrust this process to a professional such as Y-Axis — the volume of documentation is tiresome and often unmanageable, and you may run into errors, but professionals are equipped to handle them better. Another reason is that immigration laws are ever-changing, and it's challenging to keep up with them, but immigration firms can help you ride through them without an obstacle. And you get to focus on more pressing tasks.
All said and done, your dream to work in the UK awaits! And like Ian Fleming said: never say no to adventures. Get your application process started today, talk to a Y-Axis Immigration Consultant on 7670 800 000 or WhatsApp on 880 221 999.
Check your eligibility for UK Migration
Moneycontrol journalists were not involved in the creation of the article
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